Thinking about studying sign language in Europe? You’re not the only one. With accessibility and inclusive communication becoming more important than ever, sign language degrees are gaining a lot of attention. Europe is packed with solid universities offering high-quality programs that focus on sign language, interpreting, deaf culture, and more. Whether you’re into teaching, interpreting, or just want to make a difference, studying sign language could actually be a smart move.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the basics of what a sign language degree is, what sign languages are used in Europe, and where to study if you want the best education. We’ve put together a list of the top 5 sign language universities in Europe, and we’ll also give you some tips to help you pick the right one for you.
What Is a Sign Language Degree?
A sign language degree is not just about learning to “speak with your hands.” It’s a full-on academic program that mixes language learning, culture studies, and hands-on interpreting or communication training.
You’ll usually study Deaf history, linguistics, interpreting techniques, and the specific sign language used in that country—like British Sign Language (BSL) or French Sign Language (LSF).
Some programs lean more into theory, others are super practical. It depends on the university. But overall, a sign language degree in Europe gives you the chance to become a certified interpreter, a Deaf studies expert, or even a teacher in the Deaf community.
These degrees are also great for students who want to work in health care, legal support, or social services.
If you’re struggling with your assignments while applying or during your degree, don’t stress. BuyTOKEssay supports students from all over the world—yes, even for sign language and interpreting essays.
What Sign Language Is Used in Europe?
Here’s where things get a bit tricky: there isn’t just one sign language in Europe. Different countries have their own sign languages—just like spoken languages.
Here are a few examples:
- BSL (British Sign Language) in the UK
- LSF (Langue des Signes Française) in France
- DGS (Deutsche Gebärdensprache) in Germany
- VGT (Vlaamse Gebarentaal) in Belgium
- FSL (Finnish Sign Language) in Finland
On top of that, some European institutions teach International Sign, which is kind of a simplified version used in international Deaf events. But don’t expect it to replace the national ones—it’s not as widely used in everyday life.
So, when you’re choosing a sign language degree in Europe, make sure you check which language the program focuses on. You wouldn’t want to end up learning BSL if your goal is to work in Germany, right?
Sign Language in Europe – Educational Landscape
Europe has come a long way in recognizing sign language as a legit academic and career field. These days, more universities are offering full-on degrees focused on sign language, not just short-term workshops or side courses.
A sign language degree in Europe usually combines hands-on learning (like interpreting practice), cultural studies, and even research into Deaf communities and linguistics.
Some schools offer bachelor’s degrees, others have master’s programs or even dual language options. There’s also a big difference in which sign language in Europe is taught depending on the country.
So don’t just look at the school ranking—check what language they’re teaching (BSL, LSF, DGS, etc.), the structure of the degree, and whether they offer internships or exchanges.
Now, let’s break down the top 5 sign language universities in Europe and what makes each one a solid (or not-so-solid) choice.
Top 5 Universities Offering a Sign Language Degree in Europe
1. University College London (UCL) – UK
Degree: BSc in British Sign Language and Deaf Studies
Sign Language Focus: British Sign Language (BSL)
UCL is one of the best-known universities in the UK, and its sign language program is no joke. The degree dives into BSL fluency, Deaf culture, linguistics, and includes interpreting theory and practice. It’s backed by years of research and community partnerships.
Pros:
- Based in London, so you’ll have access to a huge Deaf community and lots of job options
- Very research-heavy with strong academic reputation
- Opportunities to work with real clients during placements
Cons:
- Competitive entry requirements
- Cost of living in London is no joke (bring snacks and a budget)
2. University of Applied Sciences Magdeburg-Stendal – Germany
Degree: BA in Sign Language Interpreting
Sign Language Focus: German Sign Language (DGS)
If you’re interested in becoming a certified interpreter in German Sign Language, this university is one of the best places to study. Their program is super practical, with a lot of time spent doing real interpreting scenarios. It also includes spoken German fluency, which is essential for DGS interpreting.
Pros:
- Strong focus on professional interpreting
- Affordable tuition fees compared to the UK
- Small class sizes = more personal attention
Cons:
- Program is entirely in German—you need solid German skills to apply
- Campus is quieter than big city life (good or bad depending on your vibe)
3. University of Toulouse – Jean Jaurès – France
Degree: Licence en Langue des Signes Française
Sign Language Focus: French Sign Language (LSF)
This French university is well-known for its humanities and language programs. Their LSF degree is deeply rooted in cultural studies, Deaf rights, and language research. Students can expect to get both theory and real communication experience.
Pros:
- Strong cultural focus and link to Deaf community organizations
- Beautiful campus in Toulouse
- Great for students interested in activism and social work
Cons:
- French fluency required
- Less focus on professional interpreting compared to others
4. Humak University of Applied Sciences – Finland
Degree: BA in Sign Language Interpreting
Sign Language Focus: Finnish Sign Language (FSL)
Humak is one of the top places in the Nordics to study sign language. The Finnish system is super student-friendly, and this program trains students to become qualified interpreters for Finnish or Finland-Swedish sign language. The uni also supports Erasmus+ exchange options.
Pros:
- Free or super low tuition for EU students
- Super modern, inclusive teaching methods
- Multilingual approach (Finnish, Swedish, English support available)
Cons:
- Finnish sign language is pretty niche outside of Finland
- Long winters and dark days—get used to it
5. KU Leuven – Belgium
Degree: MA in Flemish Sign Language Studies
Sign Language Focus: Vlaamse Gebarentaal (VGT)
KU Leuven is a top-ranked Belgian university offering advanced studies in Flemish Sign Language. The program includes bilingual instruction (Dutch and VGT), linguistic research, and a focus on inclusive education.
Pros:
- Highly respected academic reputation across Europe
- Focus on both sign language and Deaf education
- Offers flexibility for part-time or working students
Cons:
- Master’s level only, so not great if you’re fresh out of high school
- Dutch language skills are a must
Quick Comparison Table of EU SL Degrees
| University | Language Taught | Degree Level | Best For | Biggest Drawback |
| UCL | BSL | Bachelor’s | Research + placements | High living costs |
| Magdeburg-Stendal | DGS | Bachelor’s | Interpreting careers | German required |
| Toulouse | LSF | Bachelor’s | Cultural/language focus | Less practical work |
| Humak | FSL | Bachelor’s | Free tuition, Erasmus+ | Location is remote |
| KU Leuven | VGT | Master’s | Advanced studies | Not beginner-friendly |
How to Choose the Right Sign Language Degree in Europe?
Alright, so you’ve seen the top picks. Now comes the real talk: how do you actually choose the best sign language degree in Europe for you? It’s not just about picking the highest-ranked uni on Google. There’s more to it, and if you mess this up, you might end up studying the wrong language, in a country you don’t vibe with, and paying more than you need to.
Here’s what really matters:
1. Pick the Right Sign Language for Your Goals
This is a big one. Sign language in Europe is not one-size-fits-all. Each country has its own system, and they’re not interchangeable. If you’re planning to work or live in a specific country, study the sign language used there. For example:
- Want to work in the UK? Go for BSL
- Thinking of Germany? Learn DGS
- Into social work in France? You’ll need LSF
- Want to stay flexible in Europe-wide projects? Look for programs that also include International Sign
If you skip this step, you’ll be learning signs that may not help you where you actually want to work. Sounds obvious, but it happens all the time.
2. Check Language Requirements (No, Seriously)
Let’s be real: most of these programs aren’t in English. If you don’t already speak French, German, Dutch, or Finnish, you’ll need to either learn fast or look for schools that support international students. Some schools (like Humak in Finland) are chill and offer extra support in English, but most assume you already speak the local language fluently.
No shame if you’re not there yet. Just be honest with yourself so you don’t end up lost in lectures you can’t follow.
3. Think About the Degree Type (Bachelor vs Master)
Not every program fits every student. Some are undergrad-only, while others are postgrad. If you’re just starting out and fresh from high school, UCL or Humak might work. If you already have a degree and want to level up your skills, KU Leuven’s master’s could be perfect.
Pro tip: also check if the degree leads to certification in interpreting or Deaf education. Some schools will help you get licensed right after graduation, others won’t.
4. Look at Costs (Because You’re Not Made of Money)
Studying abroad can be awesome—but it can also wreck your wallet. Tuition fees, housing, food, random admin charges—it adds up fast. The UK tends to be pricey, while places like Germany and Finland offer more budget-friendly options (and in some cases, free tuition for EU students).
Also, don’t forget the cost of living. Studying in London is gonna hit harder than living in Magdeburg or Leuven. Do the math before applying.
5. Bonus: Can You Handle the Vibe?
This one’s underrated. Every school has its own pace and personality. Some are super academic (like KU Leuven), some are more laid-back and hands-on (like Humak). Some are in busy cities, others are more chill or even kinda remote.
If you’re the type who needs nightlife, community events, and big energy, don’t go somewhere that shuts down by 6 PM. It’ll drive you nuts.
TL;DR: Checklist Before You Apply
✅ What sign language do they teach?
✅ Can you understand the language of instruction?
✅ Is it a bachelor’s or master’s?
✅ What are the costs (tuition + living)?
✅ Does the school match your vibe?
Final Thoughts on Studying Sign Language in Europe
So, here’s the deal: getting a sign language degree in Europe is more than just learning cool hand signs—it’s about being part of a growing, inclusive movement that actually matters. You’re not just picking a random major. You’re choosing to support communication, equality, and accessibility across borders.
From BSL in London to FSL in Finland, Europe’s got a pretty awesome range of programs. Each one brings something unique, depending on your language goals, lifestyle, and budget. Whether you’re aiming to become a certified interpreter, a Deaf studies expert, or just want to work in a field where communication really counts, there’s a place for you in this space.
But don’t forget: it’s not just about picking the “best” school on paper. It’s about what clicks with you. Think about the language, the campus vibe, the cost of living, and where you actually see yourself making an impact.
And hey, if you’re feeling overwhelmed with uni applications, essays, or that one annoying assignment that’s haunting your weekend—remember, you don’t have to do it all solo.
Good luck picking your degree—and here’s to making sign language education in Europe even louder, prouder, and more accessible.